Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful rays. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation on a given day, crucial for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. Given the region's warm, sunny climate, residents and visitors alike should be aware of daily UV levels, especially during peak hours when readings can soar to a maximum of 12. With the right awareness and precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of Cockburn Town while minimizing your risk of sun damage!
The hourly UV Index today presents a dramatic journey through sunlight intensity. Starting off at 07:00, the index is a mild 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, the UV rays escalate, peaking at a formidable 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating the highest risk for sun exposure. Once the clock strikes 14:00, the index begins to descend, dropping to 11 and subsequently to 8 by 15:00. The late afternoon brings a cooling respite, as levels fall to 5 at 16:00, before retreating to a soft 1 by the evening hours 18:00 to 19:00. It's a classic reminder of how the sun's impact can shift throughout the day, urging us to stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk months being from late winter through early fall, particularly from February to October, when the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 11-13. During these months, the recommended burn time is a mere 10 minutes, underscoring the necessity for increased sun protection. January and November still present high risk with UV Index values of 8, while December offers slightly more leeway with a UV Index of 7 and a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from noon to 3 PM, to mitigate the risks associated with exposure to harsh UV rays.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cockburn Harbour UVI | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Cockburn Town | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |